Dual Steering, Old Engines

[jay_merrill]

I have a pair of 1958 evinrudes that I have run on two different boats as a pair. On both occassions, I was able to fabricate a harness that allowed both motors to be steered safely off of a single cable teleflex style system. I never really like the setup though, because if I needed or wanted to run single engine, the yoke between the two motors had to remain connected and, with one motor tilted up and the other in the running position, the system was awkward. It worked but the steering became a little stiffer than normal.

I have seen plenty of multiengine installations using hydraulic steering but have never seen one using a teleflex style system. What I am wondering is if I could use a dual cable system, such as the ones used for larger, single engine installations, with one cable being longer than the other so that each motor has its own cable. By using two adapter brackets (one for each motor) with the mounting tube, I should be able to have the motors steered independently of one another. This woulld reduce complexity and enable me to tilt one motor without anything binding the other.

Has anyone ever done this or have any thoughts on the idea?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Dual Steering, Old Engines

don't think it will work, always have seen both engine linked together. i think the dual cable is a push/pull on pushes while the other pulls. never used one.

http://www.downloadingfiles.co.uk/teleflexfiles/library/instructionmanuals/IS-7602.PDF

 

[F_R]

Re: Dual Steering, Old Engines

The first problem is that 1958 OMC motors do not adapt well to Push-pull systems. They work, but are always a compromise. The OMC tie-bar had a bend in the center to allow one motor to run in the tilt positon without interference. But remember, that was for clothesline steering. However, think about the bend when fabricating whatever you come up with.

Hydraulic steering is a very expensive way of doing it. But that does not address the basic problem of the motor not being suited for push-pull steering....the same problem will exist with hydraulic.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Dual Steering, Old Engines

Agreed that hydraulic wouldn't be the way to go because it just would not be practical from the standpoint of cost, complexity and electrical power needs.

Also agreed that teleflex style systems are not designed for use with the older motors but, with an aftermarket adapter bracket which has the threaded tube that normally would be on the engine, and the control arm, they work quite well in single engine installations.The problem is that you have to connect the system to one of the engines in the dual setup and then install a connector rod to the second engine.

On the older, wire rope type systems I believe (haven't looked at one in awhile) that the connector rod also has joints at each end, which is part of what allows one motor to be tilted. In that system, the wire rope system always pulls in an outward direction towards the rails on either side of the boat. Because of this, the joints in the tie rod don't fold as they would if they were pushed.

If the dual cable, teleflex style systems operate with one cable pushing while the other pulls, maybe the answer is to try to run one down each side of the boat and use an older style connector rod between the motors. If it is possible, this would mimic the wire rope type system. The trick, of course, would be figuring out how to either reverse the second drum on the steering wheel or make a 180 degree turn in the cable without causing binding.

The good news is that I have some time to figure this out because I don't own the boat that these motor silll go onto yet!

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Dual Steering, Old Engines

I went to my local OMC dealer today for a few things and some advice on the steering issue. I always thought the dual cable systems worked in tandem so TD's thoughts were a surprise. As it turns out, we are both correct because there are dual systems that work in tandem and ones that work opposite of one another. From what I understand, the opposing type systems are typically used in high power and/high speed applications because they keep the steering position rigid. This apparently prevents flutter in the steering system.

So, it looks like I could use a tandem system with different length cables and no interconnect between the motors, or I could use the opposing system with an older style, shaped rod & jointed tie bar.